There are so many great places to spend time in New York City. Here are some of our favorites. What are some of yours?
The table next to McSorley’s stove on a dreary, winter afternoon. Founded in 1854, an hour or two next to the old potbelly stove will do you wonders. Hapgood Hutchins, author, journalist and cofounder of the Provincetown players, wrote in Harpers Magazine in 1913 that the memorabilia on the walls and the “atmosphere of. . . permanence” which surrounded “the quiet workingmen sipping their genial ale, wrapped in the shadows of tradition, one feels a little solemn in this little retreat.” Bring a friend; no better place for a story or two.
Midway across the Brooklyn Bridge, which looms majestically over the East River. The bridge, borne of immigrant labor, was the engineering marvel of its time. Sandhogs excavated the river bed in wooden boxes known as caissons and since little was none about decompression a number of men died of the “bends” or caisson’s disease. In total, over twenty men died during the construction of the bridge, including it’s creator John Roebling. The bridge took fourteen years to complete and was opened in 1883. The views from the bridge are spectacular: The Empire State Building, the Stature of Liberty, Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, ships sailing into the harbor and more.
Hanging out in 55 Bar, one of a number of great jazz clubs in NYC–Small’s is another that instantly comes to mind. If you’re looking for a great dive bar, try 55, particularly on a night when saxophonist Donny McCaslin is performing. Just so happens he’s there this Sunday.
Beside the water gardens–indoor and outdoor–at at the Frick. One of the best places to relax in NYC, surrounded by some of the world’s greatest artwork.
There’s talk of replacing the Frick’s outdoor garden with a six story building. Are you kidding me?
The Cloisters is one of NYC’s gems. A branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, it was assembled from architectural elements, both domestic and religious, that largely date from the twelfth through the fifteenth century. The building and its cloistered gardens—located in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan—are treasures in themselves, effectively part of the collection housed there. The Cloisters’ collection comprises approximately two thousand works of art.
You can even find parking!
Charlie, you have mentioned two of my fav’s as well. The Frick for me is an absolute when in NYC. Where else can you sit , stand or walk around and absorb so much beauty. It’s art, architecture are the best NYC has to offer. My second is McSorley’s because it is the best place to meet with friends 😉
1. 74th street “Little India” in Jackson Heights.
2. Old tree forests of Inwood Park
3. Morningside Heights — Specifically, the point where you enter the “bird sanctuary” at Riverside Park with Grants Tomb on your right, and Riverside Church behind you.
4. The Cathedral of St John the Divine
5. The Promenade in Brooklyn Heights.
I love your guidance to the city and benefited much from it the year I lived in Brooklyn. I’d add Fort Greene Park and its literary connections to your list — after you cross the bridge. Here’s another post for anyone interested:http://www.shirleyshowalter.com/2011/10/16/literary-brooklyn-a-living-inspiration/
1) Washington Square Park on a Sunday…takes me back to the 60’s every time.
2) Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte theater
3) Sardi’s on a weekday afternoon for a late 3pm lunch in a room that’s absolutely empty (except for the owner making calls from his table)—no tourists, no theater-goers, when I sit there having the place to myself amidst all those wonderful caricatures and sense of a history of entertainment.
4) Museum of Modern Art…not to mention kicking back in the sculpture garden
5)Grand Central Station…see
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